Post by dele3344 on Dec 26, 2007 5:12:19 GMT -5
So, you're in Japan and you want to see some BJW or just Puro in general. Well, the man in Japan (until Feb) is here to help!
This is meant as an idiot's guide (mainly in case I forget) to going to the main arenas in Tokyo to see BJW and other Puro (because a lot of promotions go to the same places). *Cough*Sticky*Cough*
I am only listing the places that I have been to, as I do not want to send you on a wild goose chase to Plaza del Sol (I have absolutely no clue where the hell it is).
Before I start, allow me to give you this valuable tool:
www.jorudan.co.jp/english/
This is a simple guide to using the train system in Tokyo. Simply type in where you start and where you want to end. Saves a lot of time and can save you a lot of money by showing you alternative routes.
First, getting tickets. I do not recommend going to the venue to get tickets. First of all, it costs more money (because you have to take the train system), and secondly, the venue might not be selling tickets. I know that Katsura and Yokohama Bunka (Cultural) Gymnasium do not sell BJW tickets. The only venue I know of that sells BJW tickets is Korakuen.
My most recommended method is to go to Lawson's Convenience Store to buy your tickets. There, they will have an ATM looking device that you can order one or more tickets from. Remember, if you don't know, ask. The staff is more than willing to help. To make things easier, each event on BJW's website ((http://www.bjw.co.jp) Go to google.com, search the web address, and then translate it to make it easier) has it's own Lawson code (L-Code). Write it down and bring it with you, it will help you a lot. After you use this ATM thing, you will get a receipt. Take it to the counter and pay for and receive your ticket. I recommend going at least 2 weeks before the event to get good seats.
BJW also sells tickets at the door, but you take a risk of not getting the seats you wanted.
Another way to buy tickets is, after a BJW show, they will often have a booth set up where you can buy tickets. Just make sure that they are the promotion and venue you want.
On to the Venues:
*** Quick note: you can carry in a bag of food or adult beverages ;D
1. Korakuen Hall.
- Station you need to go to: Korakuen (type that in the "destination" field in the link on top)
- Real easy to get to. Walk out of the gates, and on the right side will be the Tokyo Dome. Just keep following the blue pencil (the arrow for Korakuen) until you come to the "Blue Building (Aoi Biru)." Korakuen Hall is on the fifth floor. You can buy tickets in advance here.
-Other notes: Best atmosphere. Reminiscent of the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC.
2. Yokohama Bunka (Cultural) Gymnasium (In Japanese: Yokohama Bunka Tai-iku-kan)
- Station you need to go to: Kannai (JR Line) or Isezaki (Subway). I recommend Kannai.
- Again, really easy to get to. Follow the signs that say "Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium." A large brick building. You CANNOT buy tickets for BJW in advance.
-Notes: This is a huge building and sound will not carry very well. However, BJW usually puts on its biggest shows here.
3. Katsura Studio (In Japanese: Katsura Sutajio)
- Station you need to go to: Gamo
- Access to Katsura is nothing short of a bitch. Make it easy on yourself: walk out of the station, hop in a taxi, and say "Katsura Sutajio o kudasai." 710 yen later, you're there. Walking back is easy, just follow the crowd. If you get lost or fear getting lost, catch a taxi.
-Notes: If Korakuen is Hammerstein, Katsura is the ECW arena. This place is a garage. However, it appears (I am going to the 1/6 show) that BJW is not afraid to put on good shows here. ***NOTE*** There is a "Katsura Studio" in Harajuku as well. If you want to dress up like a Geisha and get your picture taken instead of watching wrestling, that's your prerogative. I'm just giving you some warning.
Feel free to ask questions and to add directions to other venues I didn't cover.
This is meant as an idiot's guide (mainly in case I forget) to going to the main arenas in Tokyo to see BJW and other Puro (because a lot of promotions go to the same places). *Cough*Sticky*Cough*
I am only listing the places that I have been to, as I do not want to send you on a wild goose chase to Plaza del Sol (I have absolutely no clue where the hell it is).
Before I start, allow me to give you this valuable tool:
www.jorudan.co.jp/english/
This is a simple guide to using the train system in Tokyo. Simply type in where you start and where you want to end. Saves a lot of time and can save you a lot of money by showing you alternative routes.
First, getting tickets. I do not recommend going to the venue to get tickets. First of all, it costs more money (because you have to take the train system), and secondly, the venue might not be selling tickets. I know that Katsura and Yokohama Bunka (Cultural) Gymnasium do not sell BJW tickets. The only venue I know of that sells BJW tickets is Korakuen.
My most recommended method is to go to Lawson's Convenience Store to buy your tickets. There, they will have an ATM looking device that you can order one or more tickets from. Remember, if you don't know, ask. The staff is more than willing to help. To make things easier, each event on BJW's website ((http://www.bjw.co.jp) Go to google.com, search the web address, and then translate it to make it easier) has it's own Lawson code (L-Code). Write it down and bring it with you, it will help you a lot. After you use this ATM thing, you will get a receipt. Take it to the counter and pay for and receive your ticket. I recommend going at least 2 weeks before the event to get good seats.
BJW also sells tickets at the door, but you take a risk of not getting the seats you wanted.
Another way to buy tickets is, after a BJW show, they will often have a booth set up where you can buy tickets. Just make sure that they are the promotion and venue you want.
On to the Venues:
*** Quick note: you can carry in a bag of food or adult beverages ;D
1. Korakuen Hall.
- Station you need to go to: Korakuen (type that in the "destination" field in the link on top)
- Real easy to get to. Walk out of the gates, and on the right side will be the Tokyo Dome. Just keep following the blue pencil (the arrow for Korakuen) until you come to the "Blue Building (Aoi Biru)." Korakuen Hall is on the fifth floor. You can buy tickets in advance here.
-Other notes: Best atmosphere. Reminiscent of the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC.
2. Yokohama Bunka (Cultural) Gymnasium (In Japanese: Yokohama Bunka Tai-iku-kan)
- Station you need to go to: Kannai (JR Line) or Isezaki (Subway). I recommend Kannai.
- Again, really easy to get to. Follow the signs that say "Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium." A large brick building. You CANNOT buy tickets for BJW in advance.
-Notes: This is a huge building and sound will not carry very well. However, BJW usually puts on its biggest shows here.
3. Katsura Studio (In Japanese: Katsura Sutajio)
- Station you need to go to: Gamo
- Access to Katsura is nothing short of a bitch. Make it easy on yourself: walk out of the station, hop in a taxi, and say "Katsura Sutajio o kudasai." 710 yen later, you're there. Walking back is easy, just follow the crowd. If you get lost or fear getting lost, catch a taxi.
-Notes: If Korakuen is Hammerstein, Katsura is the ECW arena. This place is a garage. However, it appears (I am going to the 1/6 show) that BJW is not afraid to put on good shows here. ***NOTE*** There is a "Katsura Studio" in Harajuku as well. If you want to dress up like a Geisha and get your picture taken instead of watching wrestling, that's your prerogative. I'm just giving you some warning.
Feel free to ask questions and to add directions to other venues I didn't cover.